The Best Travel Guide for Isabela, Galapagos, Ecuador (South America)

Below are highlights of one of the most iconic islands in the Galapagos. Here, you will find the best travel guide for the island of Isabela in the Galapagos!

To get to Isabela, you must take a boat from Santa Cruz (or can fly from San Cris & Santa Cruz.)

• Ferries leave at 7 am or 3 pm from Santa Cruz to Isabela

• 30 USD

• 10 USD to enter Isabela

• To leave the island: the only ferries are at 6 am and 3 pm

  • They say to arrive an hour before but that is unnecessary. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Recommended amount of time: 3-4 days (or one extra day longer if you have the time)

1. Place of stay

2. Activities

3. Food
   

1. Place of Stay

• Airbnb: 6/10 - This Airbnb was within someone's home. It was fun to gauge the local life but it was a small walk outside the main city. It was nothing special, with awful wifi, but it did have AC!

2. Activities

• Los Tuneles (~$115)

  • Must-Do Tour: Explore the island's most famous attraction! Snorkel among white-tip sharks, turtles, sea horses, and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for dolphins on the way to these unique lava formations!

• Concha de Perla:

  • Free Must-Do Activity: Snorkel at this picturesque spot near the port. Encounter starfish, penguins, stingrays, coral, turtles, sea lions, and iguanas in their natural habitat. Perfectly fine to do on your own!

• Sierra Negra Volcano Tour ($60):

  • Optional Adventure: Take a scenic hike to the edge of Sierra Negra volcano. For the more adventurous, a 22K hike to a neighboring volcano is also available.

• Wall of Tears Bike Ride:

  • Extra Time? Explore by Bike!: Rent a bike and journey to the historic Wall of Tears. Enjoy scenic lookout spots along the way to enhance your adventure.

3. Food

• Isabela Sunset Bar:

• Happy Hour Specials: Enjoy happy hour prices of 2 x $10 cocktails all day, every day! Don't miss out on watching the sunset from this gorgeous beach spot.

• Aroma:

• Delicious Treats: Indulge in amazing bakery delights! Their brownies are a must-try and possibly the best I've ever had.

• Menu of the Day ($6–$10 USD):

• Affordable Dining Options: For lunch or dinner, explore the $6–$10 menu of the day on the main street near the beach. Cesar’s and Albita were personal favorites, while other restaurants along the street offer additional dining choices.

Visiting other places in the Galapagos?

• Santa Cruz Guide

• San Cristobal Guide

Xoxo,

Chelsey